Netizens joke that Duolingo’s sassy notifications sound like messages from a toxic ex, keeping users hooked on learning
LEARNING new languages can be fun — until the notifications start to feel a little too personal.
Duolingo, the popular language learning app known for its green owl mascot, offers step-by-step lessons for more than 40 languages.
While many users praise it for making language learning enjoyable and accessible, some say its notifications are a little “manipulative” when they skip lessons.
A Threads user joked, “Sometimes I feel like I’m in a toxic relationship with Duolingo — the manipulation is crazy.”
The user shared a screenshot of a message from the app that read: “Goodbye, I guess. You’re over it, I can tell. I’ll stop bothering you.”
Many others joined the conversation, sharing screenshots of similarly dramatic notifications that made them feel like they were being guilt-tripped by a clingy ex.
Rachel shared one that said, “You came back just to ghost me again? Do a Spanish lesson now!”
Another amused user asked, “Does Duolingo have an anxious attachment style?”
One long-time user even revealed a 1,567-day streak, admitting she might just be “deeply manipulated” by the app — calling it her “longest toxic relationship to date.”
Despite the teasing, most users agreed the quirky, emotional reminders are part of Duolingo’s charm.
Many said the cheeky notifications keep them motivated and consistent, making the learning experience more fun compared to traditional language apps.
